“THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL ATE THE MANNA FORTY YEARS.”
— Exodus 16:35
The Israelites give us one of the most astounding testimonies in all of Scripture. During their wanderings in the desert, food was scarce. Egypt’s provision was in their rearview mirror. The land flowing with milk and honey was still a long way off on their horizon. Would God come through in the liminal space?
They didn’t believe he would. Instead, they grumbled against their leaders and ultimately against the Lord himself. They had seen miracles. Pharaoh let them go. They walked across the Red Sea. They were no longer slaves. God had delivered them again and again. But now they were hungry.
What about you, believer? Does your appetite make you doubt? Does your need put your eyes on the wind and the waves around you? Remember God’s provision in your past. Recall the times when God came through for you. Replay his goodness again. Tell his stories. Speak them out. He is the same God still.
The kindness and generosity of God broke upon the Israelites at their lowest moment. God provided in the most unexpected of ways. History had no precedent. Bread without crops or harvest. Bread rained down from heaven. They called it manna.
The people of Israel ate the manna forty years.
For over 14,000 days in row God’s provision did not fail. Manna showed up morning after morning. There was no explanation that could make sense apart from the goodness of God.
So what reason have you to doubt God’s goodness? What argument is there for fear? If God remembered his people amidst their complaining and provided for them for forty years, will he forget your needs? You are more valuable to God than ten thousand sparrows and not one of them falls to the ground without his notice. God has not changed. His name is still Jehovah Jireh. Our Lord still provides.
The Israelites had to gather their manna and so will you and I. Work is a good thing, but however we collect our manna, God is still the source. God never asked you to be the provider. He does his job very well.
Oh, Jehovah Jireh, you have been faithful in every generation and you are enough for us today. We ask you for our daily bread and we give you our fears about the future. You are the Giver of all good things, and we are your beloved sons and daughters. We open our hands to receive everything you want to give, when you want to give it. Help us embrace a manna lifestyle instead of a mammon lifestyle. In Jesus’ name!
© 2025 John Rinehart